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Matt Austin
Partner
151 Meeting Street
Suite 600
Charleston, SC 29401
Matt joined Nelson Mullins in 2020 after prosecuting complex white-collar crimes for seven years as an Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) with the United States Attorney’s Office and three years as a state prosecutor with the First Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Matt quickly established himself in the private sector, building a diverse practice representing clients in some...
Matt joined Nelson Mullins in 2020 after prosecuting complex white-collar crimes for seven years as an Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) with the United States Attorney’s Office and three years as a state prosecutor with the First Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Matt quickly established himself in the private sector, building a diverse practice representing clients in some of the most high-profile matters in the nation. He routinely provides guidance to elected officials, corporate executives, and ultra-high net worth individuals navigating complex, high-stakes situations including government investigations and indictments, whistleblower complaints, and internal investigations.
While many of Matt’s cases are front page news, some of his greatest legal successes have come through the discrete resolution of highly sensitive matters. Whether it is trying a highly publicized case or convincing a prosecutor not to pursue charges against a client, Matt is able to adapt to difficult circumstances to achieve justice for his clients.
Recognizing the need for federal prosecutors focused on healthcare fraud, Matt earned a Master’s of Health Administration (“MHA”) in 2014. Matt continued building on his unique background as an AUSA , where he was cross-designated to handle both criminal and civil matters involving whistleblower cases, or Qui Tams, under the False Claims Act.
Matt has tried more than 20 criminal jury trials to verdict as well as a three-week complex civil trial involving faulty construction claims. He has tried cases at all levels of the South Carolina state and federal courts. He has successfully tried a number of complex cases in federal court involving health care fraud, environmental crimes, whistleblower complaints, international money laundering, bank fraud, international maritime treaties, and human trafficking. In seven years as a federal prosecutor, Matt did not lose a single trial. Matt has successfully led grand jury investigations and prosecutions of a wide range of white-collar crimes involving more than 20 different federal agencies. He has argued before the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Matt is known for his ability to think outside the box, showing an ability to use the skillset he honed as both a federal and state prosecutor in creative ways across a variety of practice areas.
of the most high-profile matters in the nation. He routinely provides guidance to elected officials, corporate executives, and ultra-high net worth individuals navigating complex, high-stakes situations including government investigations and indictments, whistleblower complaints, and internal investigations.
While many of Matt’s cases are front page news, some of his greatest legal successes have come through the discrete resolution of highly sensitive matters. Whether it is trying a highly publicized case or convincing a prosecutor not to pursue charges against a client, Matt is able to adapt to difficult circumstances to achieve justice for his clients.
Recognizing the need for federal prosecutors focused on healthcare fraud, Matt earned a Master’s of Health Administration (“MHA”) in 2014. Matt continued building on his unique background as an AUSA , where he was cross-designated to handle both criminal and civil matters involving whistleblower cases, or Qui Tams, under the False Claims Act.
Matt has tried more than 20 criminal jury trials to verdict as well as a three-week complex civil trial involving faulty construction claims. He has tried cases at all levels of the South Carolina state and federal courts. He has successfully tried a number of complex cases in federal court involving health care fraud, environmental crimes, whistleblower complaints, international money laundering, bank fraud, international maritime treaties, and human trafficking. In seven years as a federal prosecutor, Matt did not lose a single trial. Matt has successfully led grand jury investigations and prosecutions of a wide range of white-collar crimes involving more than 20 different federal agencies. He has argued before the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Matt is known for his ability to think outside the box, showing an ability to use the skillset he honed as both a federal and state prosecutor in creative ways across a variety of practice areas.
Experience
Previous Professional Experience
- Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Charleston, S.C. (2014–2020)
- Lead AUSA for quarterly Suspicious Activity Review (“SAR”) meetings with representatives from all local and federal law enforcement agencies
- Lead AUSA responsible for prosecuting procurement fraud cases emanating from the Global Financial Services Center and investigated by the Charleston Office of the Department of State – Office of Inspector General (“OIG”)
- Lead AUSA assigned to handle prosecution of Central Violations Bureau (“CVB”) cases occurring on federal property
- Litigation Associate, Charleston office of S.C. law firm (2013–2014)
- First Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Assistant Solicitor (2010–2013)
- AudiaHealth, LLC, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2008–2010)
Education
- Medical University of South Carolina, MHA, Healthcare (2012)
- Charleston School of Law, JD (2009)
- University of the South (Sewanee), BA, History (2005)
Admissions
- South Carolina
Previous Professional Experience
- Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Charleston, S.C. (2014–2020)
- Lead AUSA for quarterly Suspicious Activity Review (“SAR”) meetings with representatives from all local and federal law enforcement agencies
- Lead AUSA responsible for prosecuting procurement fraud cases emanating from the Global Financial Services Center and investigated by the Charleston Office of the Department of State – Office of Inspector General (“OIG”)
- Lead AUSA assigned to handle prosecution of Central Violations Bureau (“CVB”) cases occurring on federal property
- Litigation Associate, Charleston office of S.C. law firm (2013–2014)
- First Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Assistant Solicitor (2010–2013)
- AudiaHealth, LLC, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2008–2010)
Media
Recognitions
- "Legal Elite" by Columbia Business Monthly, Charleston Business Magazine
- White Collar Criminal Defense (2023-2024)
- Received a Special Commendation from the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division for the successful investigation and convictions after a three-week trial concerning environmental pollution and obstruction of justice
- Received a Special Commendation for “outstanding service” from the South Carolina Bar Association for his service as the chair of the Health Care section
- Received an appointment to represent the Health Care section in the South Carolina Bar House of Delegates
- S.C. Supreme Court Pro Bono Honor Roll (2021, 2022)
Professional Activities
- South Carolina Bar, House of Delegates (2020–present)
- Federal Bar Association, Board Member (2016–present)
- Chair of the Health Care Law Section of the South Carolina Bar (2019–2020)
- Responsible for organizing and teaching at multiple CLE seminars
- South Carolina Bar Association Leadership Academy, Class of 2016
- Charleston School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors (2013–2015)
Community
- Board Member, Charleston Day School (2021–present)
- City of Charleston Citizen Police Advisory Council (2020)
- Board Member, Charleston Youth Development Center (2020–present)
- Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force, Board Member (2019–present)
- Roper St. Francis Fellowship, Class of 2013
- Porter-Gaud Alumni Board member (2007–2008)
Matt joined Nelson Mullins in 2020 after prosecuting complex white-collar crimes for seven years as an Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) with the United States Attorney’s Office and three years as a state prosecutor with the First Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Matt quickly established himself in the private sector, building a diverse practice representing clients in some... of the most high-profile matters in the nation. He routinely provides guidance to elected officials, corporate executives, and ultra-high net worth individuals navigating complex, high-stakes situations including government investigations and indictments, whistleblower complaints, and internal investigations.
While many of Matt’s cases are front page news, some of his greatest legal successes have come through the discrete resolution of highly sensitive matters. Whether it is trying a highly publicized case or convincing a prosecutor not to pursue charges against a client, Matt is able to adapt to difficult circumstances to achieve justice for his clients.
Recognizing the need for federal prosecutors focused on healthcare fraud, Matt earned a Master’s of Health Administration (“MHA”) in 2014. Matt continued building on his unique background as an AUSA , where he was cross-designated to handle both criminal and civil matters involving whistleblower cases, or Qui Tams, under the False Claims Act.
Matt has tried more than 20 criminal jury trials to verdict as well as a three-week complex civil trial involving faulty construction claims. He has tried cases at all levels of the South Carolina state and federal courts. He has successfully tried a number of complex cases in federal court involving health care fraud, environmental crimes, whistleblower complaints, international money laundering, bank fraud, international maritime treaties, and human trafficking. In seven years as a federal prosecutor, Matt did not lose a single trial. Matt has successfully led grand jury investigations and prosecutions of a wide range of white-collar crimes involving more than 20 different federal agencies. He has argued before the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Matt is known for his ability to think outside the box, showing an ability to use the skillset he honed as both a federal and state prosecutor in creative ways across a variety of practice areas.
Experience
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.Previous Professional Experience
- Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Charleston, S.C. (2014–2020)
- Lead AUSA for quarterly Suspicious Activity Review (“SAR”) meetings with representatives from all local and federal law enforcement agencies
- Lead AUSA responsible for prosecuting procurement fraud cases emanating from the Global Financial Services Center and investigated by the Charleston Office of the Department of State – Office of Inspector General (“OIG”)
- Lead AUSA assigned to handle prosecution of Central Violations Bureau (“CVB”) cases occurring on federal property
- Litigation Associate, Charleston office of S.C. law firm (2013–2014)
- First Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Assistant Solicitor (2010–2013)
- AudiaHealth, LLC, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2008–2010)
Education
- Medical University of South Carolina, MHA, Healthcare (2012)
- Charleston School of Law, JD (2009)
- University of the South (Sewanee), BA, History (2005)
Admissions
- South Carolina
Practice Areas
- "Legal Elite" by Columbia Business Monthly, Charleston Business Magazine
- White Collar Criminal Defense (2023-2024)
- Received a Special Commendation from the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division for the successful investigation and convictions after a three-week trial concerning environmental pollution and obstruction of justice
- Received a Special Commendation for “outstanding service” from the South Carolina Bar Association for his service as the chair of the Health Care section
- Received an appointment to represent the Health Care section in the South Carolina Bar House of Delegates
- S.C. Supreme Court Pro Bono Honor Roll (2021, 2022)
- South Carolina Bar, House of Delegates (2020–present)
- Federal Bar Association, Board Member (2016–present)
- Chair of the Health Care Law Section of the South Carolina Bar (2019–2020)
- Responsible for organizing and teaching at multiple CLE seminars
- South Carolina Bar Association Leadership Academy, Class of 2016
- Charleston School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors (2013–2015)
- Board Member, Charleston Day School (2021–present)
- City of Charleston Citizen Police Advisory Council (2020)
- Board Member, Charleston Youth Development Center (2020–present)
- Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force, Board Member (2019–present)
- Roper St. Francis Fellowship, Class of 2013
- Porter-Gaud Alumni Board member (2007–2008)
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